ENH228
Albizia julibrissin ‘Alba’: ‘Alba’ Mimosa Tree1
Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson2
Introduction
General Information
This fast-growing, deciduous tree has a low branching,
open, spreading habit and delicate, lacy, almost fern-like
foliage. Fragrant, silky, white puffy pompom blooms, two
inches in diameter, appear in abundance from late April to
early July creating a spectacular sight. But the tree produces
numerous seed pods and harbors insect (webworm) and
disease (vascular wilt) problems. Although rather shortlived (10 to 20 years), Mimosa is popular for use as a terrace
or patio tree for its light, dappled shade and tropical effect.
Its deciduous nature allows the warming sun to penetrate
during the winter. There are too many other high-quality
trees in this cruel world to warrant planting this tree.
Scientific name: Albizia julibrissin
Pronunciation: al-BIZ-zee-uh joo-lih-BRISS-in
Common name(s): ‘Alba’ Mimosa Tree, `Alba’ Silktree
Family: Leguminosae
USDA hardiness zones: 6B through 9B (Fig. 2)
Figure 2. Range
Origin: not native to North America
Figure 1. Mature Albizia julibrissin ‘Alba’: ‘Alba’ Mimosa Tree
Invasive potential:According to the IFAS Assessment of
Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas (IFAS Invasive
Plant Working Group 2008), Albizia julibrissin ‘Alba’ is
invasive and not recommended in Florida.
Uses: reclamation; deck or patio; specimen
1. This document is ENH228, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date November 1993. Revised December 2006 and February 2013. Visit the EDIS website at http://
edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Edward F. Gilman, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department; Dennis G. Watson, former associate professor, Agricultural Engineering
Department, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to
individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national
origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&M University Cooperative
Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place , Dean
Availability: not native to North America
Description
Height: 15 to 25 feet
Spread: 25 to 35 feet
Crown uniformity: irregular
Crown shape: vase, spreading
Crown density: open
Growth rate: fast
Texture: fine
Outstanding tree: no
Ozone sensitivity: unknown
Verticillium wilt susceptibility: resistant
Pest resistance: sensitive to pests/diseases
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: alternate (Fig. 3)
Leaf type: bipinnately compound, odd-pinnately
compound
Leaf margin: entire, ciliate
Leaf shape: oblong, lanceolate
Leaf venation: pinnate
Leaf type and persistence: deciduous
Leaf blade length: less than 2 inches
Leaf color: green
Fall color: no color change
Fall characteristic: not showy
Flower
Flower color: white/cream/gray
Flower characteristics: showy
Figure 3. Foliage
Fruit
Fruit shape: elongated
Fruit length: 3 to 6 inches
Fruit covering: dry or hard
Fruit color: brown
Fruit characteristics: does not attract wildlife; showy; fruit/
leaves a litter problem
Trunk and Branches
Trunk/bark/branches: branches droop; not showy; typically multi-trunked; thorns
Pruning requirement: needed for strong structure
Breakage: susceptible to breakage
Current year twig color: gray
Current year twig thickness: very thick
Wood specific gravity: unknown
Culture
Light requirement: full sun
Soil tolerances: sand; loam; clay; acidic; slightly alkaline;
well-drained; occasionally wet
Drought tolerance: high
Aerosol salt tolerance: moderate
Other
Roots: can form large surface roots
Winter interest: no
Use and Management
Growing best in full sun locations, Mimosa is not particular
as to soil type but has low salt-tolerance. Grows well in
acid or alkaline soil. Mimosa tolerates drought conditions
well but has a deeper green color and more lush appearance
when given adequate moisture. The litter problem of the
blooms, leaves, and especially the long seed pods requires
consideration when planting this tree. Also the wood is
brittle and has a tendency to break during storms though
usually the wood is not heavy enough to cause damage.
Typically, most of the root system grows from only two or
three large-diameter roots originating at the base of the
trunk. These can raise walks and patios as they grow in
diameter and makes for poor transplanting success as the
tree grows larger.
Unfortunately, Mimosa (vascular) wilt is becoming a very
widespread problem in many areas of the country and has
killed many roadside trees. Despite its picturesque growth
habit and its beauty when in bloom, some cities have passed
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ordinances outlawing further planting of this species due to
its weed potential and wilt disease problem.
Several other cultivars exist: `Rosea’ (`Ernest Wilson’) has
bright pink flowers, is hardier than the species, and is 10 to
15 feet in height; `Rubra’ has deep pink flowers. `Charlotte’,
`Tyron’, and `Union’ are reportedly wilt resistant and might
be coming into production in selected nurseries in some
areas.
Mimosa readily germinates from its abundant seeds but the
wilt resistant trees must be increased by root cuttings.
Pests
Problems include cottony cushion scale, mites, Mimosa
webworm.
Diseases
Mimosa (vascular) wilt is quite a problem and is fatal. It
can spread to adjacent Mimosas by root grafts.
Literature Cited
Fox, A.M., D.R. Gordon, J.A. Dusky, L. Tyson, and R.K.
Stocker (2008) IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in
Florida’s Natural Areas: Status Assessment. Cited from the
Internet (November 16, 2012), http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/
assessment/pdfs/status_assessment.pdf
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